Since the introduction of the semi-final round in 2004, Ukraine is one of the only two countries outside of the "Big Five" to have qualified for the final of every contest they have competed,[a] and has been placed outside the top-ten only six times.

The National Television Company of Ukraine (NTU) was a full member of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) since 1 January 1993, thus eligible to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest since then.

NTU made its debut in the contest in 2003, when it finished in 14th place with the song "Hasta la vista" performed by Oleksandr Ponomariov.

Ukraine won the contest at the second attempt in 2004, with the song "Wild Dances" by Ruslana, defeating second-placed Serbia and Montenegro by 17 points, 280 to 263.

Ukraine's participation and success in the contest has been acknowledged as a factor in the country's growing soft power and international image.

[17] Each participating broadcaster assembles a five-member jury panel consisting of music industry professionals for the semi-finals and final of the Eurovision Song Contest, ranking all entries except for their own.